Sunderland Echo Portfolio Business Awards 2012 held at the Stadium of Light - Sophie and Danielle O'Brien present the Green Business Award to Craig Fitzakerly and Clinton Mysleyko of Fitz Architects.

Clinton Mysleyko is in no doubt about the benefits of entering the Sunderland Echo Portfolio Business Awards.

Fitz Architects, the business Clinton runs with partner Craig Fitzakerly, scooped the Special Green Award at last year’s ceremony.

“For a small local business such as ourselves, it does help greatly to have that exposure both in the Echo and on the night,” he said.

“There were three businesses on our table and everybody won an award, which made for a good night.”

This year will mark the tenth Sunderland Echo Portfolio Business Awards. As well as our overall Business of the Year award, categories this year are: Small Business (up to 10 employees); Medium Business (11–50 employees); Large Business (over 50 employees); Employer of the Year; Employee of the Year; Technology; New Business (under two years); Special Community Award; Green Business; Training; Export; Leisure; Creative Industries. Echo editor John Szymanski said: “We launched the Portfolio Awards because it was important to celebrate all the very best in business across Wearside, South Tyneside and East Durham.

“This is the tenth year we have held the awards, but if anything, they have never been more necessary.

“Everyone knows the last few years have been tough, but that just makes it all the more important that we take the chance to celebrate all that is good and recognise the success stories both big and small.

“This year’s ceremony promises to be the biggest and best yet.”

Sunderland City Council is again our main sponsor and our Lifetime Achievement Award will be in the council’s gift.

City council leader Coun Paul Watson said: “The City Council has been proud to support the Sunderland Echo Portfolio Business Awards since they began in 2004.

“There is much to celebrate in Sunderland and the awards give businesses across the city the opportunity to give themselves a well deserved pat on the back.

“Successful businesses play a vital role in providing the jobs and investment that helps us to improve the quality of life for everyone across Sunderland and it’s only right that we should celebrate their achievements.

“The Sunderland Echo is also to be congratulated for running the Portfolio awards and making them such a success.”

Other sponsors include Grafton Group; Mortons; The Bridges; Azure; CES Group; Northumbrian Water; SAFC; Sunderland University and TTR Barnes. Black Cats legend Kevin Ball will be the speaker at our presentation ceremony at the Stadium of Light on Thursday, October 10.

The deadline for entries is Friday, August 23, and entering could not be easier. Just go to www.echoportfolioawards.co.uk to view the criteria and submit your entry.